TSMC, the producer of Apple’s silicon, is reportedly in talks to develop a major new manufacturing site in Asia. This is part of TSMC’s strategy for addressing the present worldwide chip shortage.
TSMC will build a new chip factory in Singapore
TSMC is thought to be in preliminary talks with Singapore’s Economic Development Board about developing a new facility there due to delays in its new $12 billion manufacturing in Arizona.
The Wall Street Journal reports that no decision has been made yet, but TSMC is in talks with local governments to help fund the project. Many countries are attempting to entice processor manufacturers in order to minimize their reliance on Taiwanese and Chinese chipmakers.
“Securing the supply chain for crucial commodities is a key problem for the Singapore government,” an unnamed insider stated. And they’re following the lead of the United States and Japan.”
According to a separate source, TSMC is planning to establish a processor production plant with a range of 7 to 28 nanometers. They’re already in certain cellphones, but they’ll soon be in cars and other devices.
At this moment, no precise sites or budget estimates have been revealed. This fiscal year, TSMC is estimated to invest between $40 billion and $44 billion.
Many processor manufacturers currently call Singapore home, including those that supply or have supplied Apple with products. Micron Technology, for example, is reported to supply flash memory for the iPhone.
In Singapore, Apple has a lengthy history. Tim Cook recently visited Apple’s headquarters to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Apple II’s manufacture.
